A Better Way to Baldwin

Hike the Park to Playa Trail in Culver City

03.11.2026

The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors simply power up and down the famous stairs and miss the bigger picture.

A stone gate and a plaque sign indicating the Park to Plays Trail in Culver City

This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views, vibrant seasonal wildflowers, and a few artistic surprises along the way.

The long boardwalk as part of the Park to Playa Trail in Los Angeles

Start this walk at nearby Culver City Park, where the trail begins with a charming wooden boardwalk winding beneath a canopy of trees. Pass three baseball fields before making your way toward the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook.

A woman walking on a boardwalk that is part of the Park to Playa Trail in Culver City

A large and yellow based entry sign for Baldwin Hills Scenic overlook

Cross the street to stay on the trail as it climbs the rounded hillside, blanketed in bright yellow California bush sunflowers during spring bloom. At the fork, turn left to reach the overlook. At the top, soak in panoramic views of West Los Angeles stretching from the downtown skyline all the way to the glimmering Pacific.

If you can’t resist (you’re here, after all), tackle the 282 famously steep Culver City Stairs. Descend and climb back up for a heart-pounding, thigh-burning workout.

Otherwise, continue past the Visitor Center and through the parking lot to find the quieter stretch of trail marked by a stone arch. This section reveals sculptural artwork celebrating local flora, along with the Stoneview Nature Center. Don’t miss its hidden garden, filled with native plants, picnic tables, and wooden benches perfect for a quiet pause.

A woman passes through a gate for the Stoneview Nature Center

When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the parking lot, then head down the winding road to reconnect with the trail halfway down the hill and return to Culver City Park.

An garden entry sign for Stoneview Nature Center in Los Angeles

A woman is admiring pinkish purple florals at the Stoneview Nature Center in Los Angeles

Tip: Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is one of L.A.’s best sunset spots. Time your hike about 90 minutes before sunset to catch the golden-hour glow from the hilltop.

Trailhead: Culver City Park, 9910 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. Enter from Jefferson Blvd. by heading south on Duquesne Ave. After about 0.2 miles, park in the first lot on the left. The Park to Playa trailhead is located on the northeast end of the lot.

Hours: Trail open 8am to sunset. Stoneview Nature Center open 8am to 7:30pm; closed Mondays.
Dog-friendly!